When it comes to vasectomies there are a lot of questions. Can I have sex? Will sex feel different? Will it affect my sex drive? Here’s what you need to know.
Board Certified Urologist, expert in male sexual dysfunction
Perhaps you and your spouse have agreed that your family is complete and you're done having children.
Or maybe you just don't want to risk an unintentional pregnancy or don't want to use contraception with your partner in the bedroom any longer.
Whatever the reason, cisgender men can elect to have a vasectomy.
This procedure takes roughly 15-20 minutes and can be done with a single puncture, no-scalpel approach, and will completely eliminate the presence of sperm in the semen.
Despite how common, simple, and safe the procedure is, many men have reservations about undergoing it as they think it will affect their sex life.
We'll share everything you need to know about sex after a vasectomy.
Quick FAQs
The general recommended amount of time is 2-5 days after a vasectomy before resuming your sex life.
No, having a vasectomy will in no way affect your sex drive.
Yes, there will just no longer be sperm in your ejaculate. Sperm consists of about 1-2% of total ejaculate volume, so most people don’t notice any difference.
No, a vasectomy has nothing to do with how long you will last in bed either before or after the procedure.
How Long After a Vasectomy Do I have to Wait Before I Can Have Sex?
In most cases, doctors suggest waiting at least 2-5 days after a vasectomy before engaging in sexual intercourse with your partner.
This gives time for swelling in the scrotum and any other general discomfort to subside.
However, when you resume sexual activity following a vasectomy, you should not assume that you're automatically sterile.
There could be some old sperm in the tubes for a few weeks that lead from the scrotum to the penis.
Does a Vasectomy Affect Sex Drive?
Vasectomy and sex drive aren't related whatsoever.
All a vasectomy does is tie off the tubes that deliver sperm to your penis. Studies show it doesn't impact your hormones or sex drive in any way.
If you have any concerns about having a vasectomy and how it will affect your sex drive, we'd suggest speaking with your doctor or urologist.
Does Sex Feel Different After Vasectomy?
This is a common concern that many men share when considering the procedure.
But the bottom line is that sex shouldn't feel any different post-vasectomy than it did pre-vasectomy.
You could make the argument that sex is different from a mental perspective, as you don't have to worry about an unintentional pregnancy with your partner.
Many men wonder, can you ejaculate after a vasectomy?
And the answer is "yes."
However, unlike ejaculating pre-vasectomy, when you ejaculate following a vasectomy, sperm is absent.
That's because the vas deferens tube, which carries sperm to the penis, is cut near each testicle.
So while there won't be any sperm in your ejaculate, you'll still ejaculate.
In fact, the quality, amount, and texture of semen should remain the same post-vasectomy as it was pre-vasectomy.
Doctor's note: Sperm makes up only 1-2% of total ejaculate volume so it's unlikely you or your partner will notice a difference.
What Happens to Sperm After Vasectomy?
Following a vasectomy, there's still likely to be sperm in your system - but after it's eradicated via repeat ejaculations - whether it's via sex or masturbation - the sperm will no longer be present in your ejaculate.
Your testicles still create sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body.
Sperm will not release in the semen or anywhere else.
If you're planning to get a vasectomy in the hopes that you'll last longer in bed and be a better lover for your partner, you're going to be disappointed.
There's no evidence to suggest that men last longer after a vasectomy, or that it affects sex drive, testosterone levels, ejaculation, or erectile function.
Practicing the stop/start method or changing positions frequently.
Practicing the squeeze technique on your penis until the urge to ejaculate subsides.
Performing kegel exercise to gain more control over your orgasm.
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Does a Vasectomy Affect Testosterone?
If you have a low sex drive after vasectomy, it's not because of the procedure.
There's likely to be some other underlying issue that's causing a lack of testosterone and sex drive.
Some common underlying causes of lack of sex drive for men include:
Aging
Health issues
Side effects from prescribed medication
Psychological factors
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Does a Vasectomy Hurt?
While a vasectomy is a surgical procedure, doctors do their best to ensure the patient is comfortable during and after the procedure.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the testicles, so outside of a little bit of pressure when the vas deferens tubes are cut and sealed, you're not likely to feel anything during the actual procedure itself.
Following the procedure, there's likely to be some swelling and discomfort, especially around where the stitches are in your scrotum.
With over-the-counter medication and ice packs, the swelling tends to go down in a few days. Eventually, the stitches will fall out.
Some rare side effects can result from a vasectomy that may require additional medical attention.
These include:
infection at the surgical site
bruising of the scrotum
bleeding inside of the scrotum
blood in the semen
These side effects tend to be rare.
How Long After a Vasectomy Before I Am Sterile?
Even following a vasectomy, most urologists recommend using contraception during sex for anywhere from eight to 12 weeks.
That's because there's still likely to be sperm in the tubes that lead to the penis, even though they were severed and tied off during the procedure.
Essentially, you'll want to make sure that all of the sperm has evacuated your reproductive system before you stop using contraception with your partner.
The more you masturbate and have sex following the procedure, the faster you'll evacuate the sperm from your system. In fact, most men are sterile after 15 ejaculations following a vasectomy.
If you want to know for sure whether you're sterile or not after a vasectomy, we suggest speaking with your doctor and arranging for a sperm sample six to eight weeks following the procedure.
Will I be Able to Get an Erection After a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy doesn't have any impact on erectile function, sex drive, testosterone levels, or how long you last in bed.
The only effect that a vasectomy will have on your sex life is that there won't be any more sperm in your semen following ejaculation.
Vasectomy Recovery Tips
A vasectomy is a simple, safe procedure with minimal side effects. But here's a look at some ways you can help accelerate recovery:
Ice Packs: One of the best ways to reduce swelling is to ice the affected area. While a standard ice pack will work, it's better to opt for something that can mold around your scrotum and provide coverage of the whole area. That's where frozen peas or other bagged frozen vegetables can come in handy.
Clean the Wound: After any sort of operation, it's crucial to avoid infection around incisions. The best way to avoid infection after a vasectomy is to thoroughly clean the area on a regular basis, both in the shower each morning and throughout the day.
Avoid Masturbation: Doctors suggest waiting until swelling, and any discomfort subsides before masturbating again. Masturbation may not only be uncomfortable, but it can also potentially irritate your incisions. It's typically best practice to wait a week or two before masturbating again after the procedure.
Laying down: Take it easy for the first few days after the procedure, and make sure that you're getting plenty of rest. For bonus points, elevate your legs as you're lying down. This can help promote better blood circulation, which can assist in healing.
Avoid Heavy Lifting: Any strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting or working out, should be avoided for about two weeks following the procedure.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Wearing loose-fitting underwear and clothing can help minimize the potential for your clothes to brush against the stitches on the incision sites. This can cause irritation and possibly even impede healing at the site.
Takeaways
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control that involves cutting and sealing off the sperm-delivering vas deferens tube in the scrotum.
It's a simple, safe procedure that is often performed when a man - and his partner - no longer wants to have intercourse with the risk of unintended pregnancy.
There are no adverse affects to your sex life or how sex feels.
If you think you’re ready to get a vasectomy then talk to your doctor so you can fully understand what the procedure involves.
Dr. Jed Kaminetsky M.D. is an American Board Certified Urologist and earned his Medical Degree at New York University. In his tenure he became a member of the American Urological Association and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Kaminetsky pioneered the minimally invasive Rezum BPH treatment and is an expert in male and female dysfunction.
Sources:
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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
